The Kia Sportage II (Generation KM) marked a radical departure from its predecessor. Abandoning the rugged but agricultural body-on-frame chassis, it adopted a modern unibody platform shared with the first-generation Hyundai Tucson (JM). This transition transformed it into a comfortable, road-biased compact SUV (crossover) with optional on-demand AWD (BorgWarner ITM 3e). It received two minor facelifts (2007 and 2008/2009) which updated the front fascia, headlights, and interior trims. While the interior plastics reflect the budget-friendly positioning of the era, the vehicle is highly regarded for its practicality, spaciousness, and overall mechanical robustness. The diesel variants (2.0 CRDi) were the top sellers in Europe, offering a good balance of torque and economy, though they requi
The Kia Sportage II (KM) is a highly pragmatic and generally reliable compact SUV. If you are targeting the 2.0 CRDi diesel, the earlier 112 hp version is mechanically simpler (no DPF, single-mass flywheel on some, simpler turbo) but lacks refinement. The later 140/150 hp versions are much better to drive but introduce modern diesel headaches (DMF wear, DPF clogging). Crucial advice: Do not buy a diesel Sportage KM without proof of a recent timing belt change. If your annual mileage is low or strictly urban, avoid the diesel entirely and opt for the bulletproof 2.0L petrol, which will save you money in the long run despite higher fuel consumption.